Assistant Footwear Officer

Assistant Footwear Officer

Hindlip, Worcestershire

Salary scale £26,000

Permanent Contract

Full Time

The

A strategic alliance has been formed between Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police in order to enable both forces to meet the challenge of reducing policing budgets. By working more closely together the forces will benefit from greater operational and organisational resilience, making us the fourth largest geographic police area in England and Wales.

The main purpose of this role is to work within the alliance Footwear Unit, responsible for assisting to maximise the evidential and intelligence potential from footwear across the Warwickshire and West Mercia force areas.

To work within, and comply with, measures required to maintain ISO accreditation standards.

Main Responsibilities:
Responsible for the security and integrity of exhibits submitted to the Footwear Unit and the maintenance of accurate records to ensure continuity.
Provide advice and guidance to investigating officers concerning footwear submission processes to ensure acceptable standards, use of resources, and to manage expectations around footwear examinations.
Responsible for the coding and recording of footwear impressions recovered from crimes scenes and custody.
To attend crime scenes upon request, providing support to Footwear Officer and assist the investigation in relation to the recovery of footwear impressions, contributing to the delivery of forensic strategies.
Recover, secure and accurately record items and exhibits from crime scenes and other police related incidents in line with appropriate legislation including The Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA) and PACE.
Use advanced imaging skills to create visual evidential records of digitally captured images.
Maintain appropriate records of all work carried out in line with policy, NOS and ISO requirements.
Analyse, compare and evaluate crime scene footwear marks and use the National Footwear database to establish and correctly classify the make and model of footwear
To undertake general administration procedures, including the input, storage and retrieval of data from electronic databases.
Provide specialist guidance to other Forensic Investigations staff and, if required, carry out forensic awareness training/presentations.
To undertake other duties commensurate with the nature, level of responsibility and grading of this post, as required.
Experience/Skills:
Educated to A level Grade C or above or equivalent – to include a laboratory based science
GCSE level or equivalent – Maths and English at Grade C or above
Completion of the College of Policing Footwear Coding module (including portfolio).
Working towards Footwear Screening module
Experience of working within a footwear/forensic environment
Some photography experience would be advantageous
Ability to communicate and influence at all levels, adapting the style of communication to meet the needs of the audience.
Able to prioritise competing demand.
Ability to exercise discretion confidently.
Working knowledge of databases, including Microsoft applications.
Ability to demonstrate confidentiality.
Methodical and accurate approach, whilst prioritising with competing demands.
Ability to work with great accuracy, with good attention to detail
Ability to work under pressure, on occasions with distressing scenes or images
Good organisational and time management skills with the ability to accept and adapt to change
Special Conditions:
Ability to travel across the force areas of Warwickshire and West Mercia

Very occasionally may be required/asked to work unsocial hours or weekends during major crime investigations

Complete necessary in house and external training courses and undertake continuous professional/personal development relevant to the operation of the Footwear Unit.

Mandatory training courses. There will be a requirement to pay back all or part of the training costs if the candidate leaves within three years.

We want our organisation to be as diverse as the community it serves. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

You will be required as part of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police recruitment process to successfully complete vetting and credit checks.